Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has declared former Manchester United winger Antony “undroppable” following the Brazilian’s instrumental role in a 2-0 Europa League victory over Lyon, which cemented the Spanish side’s unbeaten run in the competition.
The Chilean coach confirmed he is refusing to rotate the in-form star, citing his “great form” and seamless integration into a team that is quietly emerging as a force in Europe.
A Fairytale Revival in Seville
Since his high-profile move from the Premier League, Antony has experienced a remarkable resurgence. Once a divisive figure at Old Trafford, the winger has become the symbol of Betis’s European charge. In just seven La Liga appearances, he has notched four goals and an assist, complementing his two goals and an assist in three Europa League outings.
His performance against Lyon, where he found the net for the second consecutive game, underscored his vital importance to Pellegrini’s system. Operating on the right wing, Antony has rediscovered the confidence and cutting edge that defined his early days at Ajax.
“He and Abde [Ezzalzouli] are in great form, that’s why we rotate them less,” Pellegrini stated emphatically after the match. “The players have no problem playing on Thursdays and Sundays. They’re both inspired and scoring goals. I’m happy with the team’s performance, because we can change six or seven players and the team stays the same.”
The Pellegrini Effect: Structure and Trust
The manager’s unwavering trust has been a key catalyst for Antony’s revival. Pellegrini’s structured, possession-based system provides the ideal framework for the Brazilian’s talents, allowing him to stretch defenses, press high, and link play with quick combinations.
Pellegrini praised the team’s “very complete match” against Lyon, highlighting their defensive solidity and control. “We were very solid. They had very few chances on our goal and were a team that had won three matches in Europe and hadn’t conceded a goal.”
This tactical discipline, combined with Antony’s individual flair, has propelled Betis to the top of their group with eight points from four games, putting them within touching distance of the knockout stages.
Antony’s journey from a struggling Premier League export to an undroppable linchpin in a formidable European side is one of the season’s standout narratives. For Real Betis, his sustained form could be the decisive factor in transforming a solid European campaign into a genuinely deep run.
